We were lucky to catch up with Tracy Adeniji-Adele recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tracy, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
A defining moment for me was when I stopped trying to sound like, look like, or be like other teachers. I think it’s normal to emulate your teachers as your shape your identity as a teacher. But our true selves come through when we are ourselves while we teach others, it breaks down a barrier that lets our students know we can be trusted.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I got into my industry after attempting to work in spaces after getting my degree. Spending months sitting, commuting, and being strapped to a computer made my body so uncomfortable. As someone that was used to being active through my dance and athletics background, I knew something needed to change for me to be happy and fulfilled. While I was sitting at my internship at a well-known media company, I applied to a yoga teacher training and dedicated myself to learning how to teach movement.
I knew that entering this industry would be difficult initially. I spent many years struggling, teaching so many classes that my body was perpetually dehydrated and exhausted. But when I started to create online content, things started to change. I had started to develop my platform at that point, and I was starting to get opportunities with major companies including Lululemon, Nike Women, and Undefeated. What ultimately launched me was dedicating myself to creating on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
I got validation from creating on TikTok that people wanted to see alternative people doing what I do – teaching to music you wouldn’t normally hear in your everyday studio. Mind you, I had been disciplined in corporate studios for wanting to express myself in this way. So when hundreds of thousands of people said – “I’ve been looking for a teacher like you,” I ran with it and haven’t turned back. I want all people to feel welcome in my space, no matter how they identify, look, or what they can afford. This has been the center of the brand and ethos of Tracy Lynn Movement – helping people to develop their confidence as a body in movement.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Consistency – the internet has shrunken everyone’s attention span and they need constant reminders of what your work is. Even if it feels repetitive, put your work out there. Play the hits. People followed you because they like what you’re doing and want to see more.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Part of me wishes I had followed a more traditional career path. Running your own business can be stressful, there are lots of unknowns, ebbs, and flows to working for yourself. But ultimately I would have chosen this path or a path that also helps people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tracylynnmovement.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracylynnwithlove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracylynnmovement
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-lynn-adeniji-adele-b463ab11a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TLynnMovement
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tracylynnmovement
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/tracylynnmovement
Image Credits
@bennyreneephotography @_brelinda @tahneinei